How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you’re looking for a new oven or hob we’ve got a range of sizes, features and styles to suit your kitchen.

The majority of them are simple to use and durable solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They’re great for flat-based dishes and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to roast and bake food in households around the world. In general, they are powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in certain markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes, the oven is enclosed by a hob on which food can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that can be turned off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure where food is heated in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures, which contained the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and cooking other meals because they held heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be shared among family members. These open pits and ovens had three major flaws They were dangerous because of the open flames and smoke, they used a lot fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control the heat and cooking.

The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that closed off the fire to decrease its intensity and smoke and make it easier to control. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were typically found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, and having more than one oven and fireplace.

By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular feature in home kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven became essential, since it was much safer and more efficient to cook with an oven than over an open flame or with a cauldron. However, it is also believed that the advent of the oven was correlated with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which resulted in a greater concentration on meat and casseroles.

It is important to note that in certain recipes, like those of Nigella she may suggest leaving a pot “on the hob”, but this can be misleading because a hob is actually an actual British word for stove top. If you’re unfamiliar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.

Functions

Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings that regulate the way in which the oven’s heating elements and fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while preserving the taste and texture.

Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that heats food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted mode that uses an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing for an even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it’s essential to know the various features to find out which one is best suited to your requirements.

A fan-assisted oven feature is ideal for cooking a variety of foods. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is great for grilling, baking and roasting. It is especially helpful for pizzas and pies that require a quick, crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified with a zigzag at the top and a straight line at the bottom of the square, and it can cut down up to 40% in cooking time.

Some ovens come with grilling options that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven to give your food the perfect char. It’s great for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be marked by zigzags and straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically used on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings in your oven to avoid overcooking.

There are other oven functions like bread and pastry proofing slow cooking, proofing and much more. These are usually preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavours.

There are also some ovens that have Steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious food. It adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked goods including poultry, vegetables, and custards. This function can be activated by pouring water in the oven’s reservoir, and turning it on. Certain models can alter the amount of steam depending on the temperature selected.

Types

There are many kinds of oven and hob on the market that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is important to choose an oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning and smart functions too.

Gas ovens are a popular option and work well in all kitchens. They typically come with burners with rings as well as an grate that the pans sit on. They emit heat, so they are easy to use. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy costs. However, they may take longer to preheat than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if coated with a residue.

Electric hobs come in a variety of different styles, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive, however they are more energy efficient as the hob only gets hot when you put the pot on it. They are also cool to the touch, making them safer for children. They are fairly quick to heat up. They can also be slow to cool off and do not get hot enough evenly.

Plate hobs, also an essential in the kitchen, come with an array of cooking zones that are all electrically powered on a flat surface. They are placed on top of the cabinets in your kitchen. They offer a stylish modern design that will look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they may leave burn marks.

The most commonly used model is the built-in single oven. They can be placed either beneath a hob, or on the floor in a built-in cabinet. When choosing an oven, consider the size of your family. They are usually large enough to hold a big dinner and come in a variety of sizes. They are also available with additional options, such as the grill or steam function.

Installation

It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to install an oven that is new for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure the electrical circuit is installed and that your new appliance is safe for use. A licensed electrician will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in line with all applicable safety codes.

Before you begin the process of installing your new electric oven and hob you’ll need to have all the required supplies and tools available. These include wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It’s also important to test the electrical supply in your home and make sure it can withstand the demands of a new electric oven and hob.

To put in a new oven and hob first, you must take them out of the old ones. To accomplish this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance in place and then remove them carefully. After the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one is installed should be free of any obstructions. Then the junction box will need to be erected and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. It is essential to follow the directions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

Once the electrical connections have been established after which the oven and hob can be lowered into position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it’s flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob and make sure that it’s operating correctly.

If you’re installing a gas oven and hob it’s a good idea engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation is not as easy as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipes. It’s also an excellent idea to get a cooker hood installed in the event that you don’t have one, as it will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.